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New online course for pet owners
Cat owner using ipad
The course aims to help pet owners develop a greater understanding of their animals.
Course will give owners greater insight into their pets' needs

A free online course to help animal lovers brush up on pet subjects has been launched by the University of Edinburgh.

Designed by world-leading experts in animal welfare, The Truth about Cats and Dogs aims to teach participants about pet needs and behaviours.

“There is so much information available online about how best to look after your pet, which can be overwhelming,” commented Dr Heathor Bacon, who is among the experts organising the course.

“Our scientific understanding of cats and dogs has moved on leaps and bounds, but recent research has highlighted gaps in what pet owners know about their animals.”

The course aims to help pet owners develop a greater understanding of their animals by exploring how they perceive the world.

“Pet owners will gain a greater insight into their pets’ needs and how to provide for them,” Heather adds.

The Massive Open-access Online Course (MOOC) was developed by the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

Beginning on the 12 June, the course content is centred on the latest scientific findings.

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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk